READING FROM CAMEROON TO HAITI

For the love of books and literature, we can travel the world and back.

I thought you would like to know about the 3 books on my reading map this month of October,.

I READ:

Baron of Broad Street African Literature El Nukoya

Baron of Broad Street by El Nukoya

I am in awe of the design and feel of this book. It is hardcover with a darkened portrait of a well-dressed man set against a black backdrop. Nine Lives was El Nukoya’s debut novel and I remember it being fast-paced. For Baron of Broad Street, I enjoyed the characterization of Makoko’s rats and snippets of well-crafted phrases along the way, however it was easy to get lost. Some parts reminded me of Chibundu Onuzo’s The Spider King’s Daughter and the density of the text brought back memories of Taiye Selasi’s Ghana Must Go. In an odd way, I found the book design more intriguing than the story itself.

I AM READING:

Create Dangerously- Literature from Haiti

Create Dangerously: The Immigrant Artist at Work by Edwidge Danticat

Edwidge Danticat is a fantastic story teller. After reading Krik Krak and Brother I am Dying, I was enveloped in meditative moments. You know the time you set aside to go over again the words you just experienced. In Philadelphia, I met several emigrants from Haiti, but didn’t really ask for details about why they or their families had migrated. I knew there was the earthquake in the 2000s and the nearby Florida coastline, but didn’t probe further. Danticat reveals the air of danger that clouded the reign of Papa Doc Duvalier. Danticat explores the dangerous paths, both writers and readers cross in such terse environments through the art of writing and reading.

I WILL READ:

Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue

Behold the Dreamers Imbolo- A Cameroon Migration to the USA Story

Imbolo came into my reading and literary radar when it was announced that she had signed a million dollar book deal for her debut novel, “Behold the Dreamers.” I know what you are thinking, who says we have to live up to the stereotype of the poor and struggling writer. Lol. So, we can rightly call this novel, “The Million Dollar Dream”. I am interested in how the American migrant story is retold, but this time with some Wall Street flavor to it. It is already downloaded on my Kindle and I can’t wait to start.

There you have it, the books I have on my mind this month. By next month, I will be gearing up for the 2016 Ake Arts & Book Festival taking place in the rocky town of Abeokuta.

Many African authors would be in attendance and there will be several book chats. Go through the 2016 Ake Schedule and let me know which one of the authors and books you would like some detailed behind the scenes story about and I will deliver fresh, sizzling hot literary scoop just for you!

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